Zika virus affects 2,100 pregnant women in Columbia

Bogota: The Colombian national health institute has revealed that more than 2,100 pregnant women in the country have been infected with the mosquito borne Zika virus, as the disease continues to spread across America.

The Daily Star reported that the virus has been linked to the devastating birth defect microcephaly, which prevents foetus brains from developing properly as there is no vaccine to it.

The Government has urged women to delay pregnancy for six to eight months to avoid potential infection.

The national health institute confirmed 20,297 cases of the disease in Colombia that includes 2,116 pregnant women.

There are so far no reported cases of microcephaly or deaths from the virus in Colombia.

The institute said 37.2 percent of pregnant women infected with Zika live in Norte de Santander province, along the eastern border with Venezuela.

The health ministry said that Zika infection falls within the health requirements and women must get abortions in the country.